by Jason Bluhm, director of racing, Tioga/Vernon Downs

Nichols, NY — The four early closers for Tioga and Vernon Downs drew some big names in the harness racing world, including some returning series champions.

The Artiscape (an open mare pace) attracted 23 entries, including the defending champion and overall Vernon track record holder, Armbro Dancer (1:50.1). The competition will be tough as the reigning 3-year-old pacing filly of the year Southwind Tempo and Jugette winner Western Graduate have thrown their names into the hat. A total of four millionaire mares also make up the field including Darlin’s Delight, Marnie Hall, Michelle’s Power and My Little Dragon.

The Conway Hall (open mare trot) received 25 nominations for this year’s race. Top mare trotter Buck I St Pat will look to improve upon her second place finish in last year’s race. Other top mares include Exotic Destination, Falls For You, Godiva Hall, Queen Serene and Susie’s Magic.

The Credit Winner (open trot) drummed up 24 entries including last year’s winner and Vernon track record holder Vivid Photo (1:52.1). Notables include Giant Diablo, who shares the overall trotting world record with a 1:50.1 mile last year at Lexington, American Lane, Arch Madness, and Corleone Kosmos.

The Miss Versatility (open mare trot) brought out 23 nominations, almost a carbon copy of the field for the Conway Hall. Included are the aforementioned Buck I St Pat, Exotic Destination, Falls For You, Giant Diablo, Godiva Hall, Queen Serene and Susie’s Magic.

The Miss Versatility is a unique race that requires a “versatile mare” that can trot on any sized track. Three legs are raced over a mile (Meadowlands), seven-eighths (Vernon), and five-eighths (Tioga) track. The final is raced on Jug Day at the half-mile Delaware County Fairgrounds oval in Ohio.

“It is nice to see the older horses return year after year in these rich events at Tioga and Vernon Downs. These races give the older horses a chance to go for extremely good money and gives our fans a chance to develop favorite horses to watch year in and year out, adding to the excitement of what horse racing is all about,” said Jason Settlemoir, VP of Racing and Simulcast for both Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs.

The $1,500 second payments are due for each series on April 15. For more information, please call the Tioga Downs race office at (607) 699-7688. For a list of all eligible horses, please visit our Web sites at www.tiogadowns.com or www.vernondowns.com.